VICES

So, we all have our "vices" right? Some are different than others, most people don't have the SAME vices as another person, but....everyone has them. Some people's vices deal with perfection, some people deal with food, drink, whatever... I have found some of my "vices" or addictions are good, and some are just plain BAD. Please, don't judge me....I feel brave just writing about this.

VICE #1 Exercise. Yes, believe it or not, I become obsessed with exercise. When I simply cannot exercise I freak out because I don't feel good about myself. Then when I do exercise I tend to go "overboard" as my new friends call it. Tami and Taffy and perhaps most of my family wouldn't think that running on the treadmill for over an hour is overboard, but for most people....normal people....it is. I've decided that in the long run, the obsession with exercise is a good thing. Look at my mom for example. She looks AMAZING! Most people think we are sisters when we go places together. If I can look like her at 50 years old, I will consider myself blessed.

VICE #2 Chocolate-Covered Strawberries. Okay, so I guess I have to be addicted to exercise if THIS is one of my vices. Perhaps I'm addicted to exercise BECAUSE I'm also addicted to these wonderful little treats. Really, the addiction can be blamed on my friend Jessica for making them for us for EVERY get-together. However, I'm the only one to blame for them going from plate to mouth.

VICE #3 Perfection. Who, besides the Savior, is perfect? If you are, please, let me know and then tell me how you got there! I drive myself crazy when I can't do everything right and do it right the first time. I just started a new job at Applebees as a waitress. I have been doing this kind of work for a really LONG time, so I consider myself pretty good at it. Well, day #1 at said job proved otherwise. I was tense and nervous, and stumbling over my words, and I'm sure my trainer was very worried about his tip percentage as I greeted his tables. I went home feeling completely mortified and useless. Why do I do this to myself? I cannot be perfect at everything I do. This obsession has got to stop!

VICE #4 Workaholism. Day #2 on the new job, my boss told me she wants me to work 5-6 nights a week and I said, "Okay, no problem." before I even CONSIDER my husband and his job schedule. Some people might think this is silly, but let me tell you...last semester I worked 40-60 hours a week and it was not a good situation for Austin and I. I became a work-aholic. EVERYTHING and everyone at work came first. I called it loyalty to my job, my husband called it insanity. I agree with him now, but I am still having a hard time separating myself from a heavy work-load. So, I had to approach my boss today and tell her I can only work 3-4 shifts a week, and no more than four. She was okay with that, to my surprise, and Austin was so excited that I had the courage to actually confront her about it instead of just handing my life over to them.

VICE #5 Money. Perhaps I was a work-aholic because I'm scared to death of having NO money. I don't think I have been financially secure since I graduated high school. I was always scraping to make ends meet. Some of it was my fault, some of it was just the deck of cards I was dealt. So I have ALWAYS worked, every semester...full time work schedule. It has been so good for me in so many ways, and I am thankful my parents expected me to work hard and that I have been able to rise to that expectation. Right before Austin and I started dating, I had no money and no job, thus living on a credit card. Finally I found a job and things were looking up. Then we started dating, I moved to Rexburg and the FIRST day back in Rexburg, I total my car. WHAT A BLESSING! The insurance payment helped me pay off the credit card and put some money away. I am so thankful for that accident. Since then, I have taken money management classes, opened two savings accounts, and for the first time in my life, I feel financially "okay." I was tired of money running my life and I guess it always will to some extent, but I feel more in control than I ever have. (Hint: PAY YOUR TITHING!)

You may be wondering why I wrote about all these "VICES" of mine. Believe me, there are more, but I'll save face a little and not exploit all of my imperfections. I wanted to write about them because they're real, they can bless your life or make it more difficult, not all vices lead to destruction, and....I need some ideas on other people's "VICES" preferably the good ones. I need some new hobbies!! I need to find something other than exercise, work, and money to help me find self-actualization. I am open to any fun ideas you may have!